Leo: A Ghost Story

LEO: A GHOST STORY

A new musical about a charming tale of friendship.

You would like being friends with Leo. He likes to draw, he makes delicious snacks, and most people can't even see him. Because Leo is also a ghost. When a new family moves into his home and Leo's efforts to welcome them are misunderstood, Leo decides it is time to leave and see the world. That is how he meets Jane, a kid with a tremendous imagination. And that is when their adventurous friendship begins. This TYA (theatre for younger audiences) features original music!

By Mac Barnett andIllustrated by Christian RobinsonAdapted for stage by Ken Clifton & Ian ThomsonMusic, and Lyrics by Ken Clifton

A Riverside Theatricals production. Originally produced by Riverside Theatre.

Show Creator

Ken Clifton is the resident musical director, vocal coach, and composer/lyricist at Riverside. He's conducted musicals up and down the East Coast and Disney uses his writing in Orlando and Tokyo.

Previously he has adapted the book Pansy at The Palace by Cynthia Bardes, to create the stage production... Poodleful!®

If you’ve ever felt invisible and just wanted a real friend, Leo understands. Leo is a ghost that meets a feisty city girl with a huge imagination. This is a fun bright story that also has a dragon fight, sneak thieves breaking in, dancing and a multi-media set. You’ll come out with a real live friend.

— Ken Clifton, book, music, and lyrics

Based on the children's book by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Christian Robinson

I’m so impressed with the team who worked to make this musical. Leo was influenced by certain character-centered picture books from the mid-20th century, especially Madeleine. I wanted to take some of the storytelling principles from those classic books I loved and make a story that felt contemporary, too. This whole thing is exciting to me.

— Mac Barnett, Children's Book Writer

OVER A DOZEN CHARACTERS

Leo: A small and kind Victorian ghost. He longs for friendship and adventure that he reads about in his stories.

Jane: An energetic and charming young girl. She loves her imagination to discover big adventures.

Ruffs: A laid-back dog and Jane’s imaginary friend.

Mews: A sassy cat and Jane’s imaginary friend.

Officer Vitale: A job obsessed, police officer in the city.

Mimi: Boss of the Sneak Thieves.

Vinny: A bumbling Sneak Thief.

Dragon: A big, mean, scary dragon who protects gold in his cave.

Mom, Dad, and Son: A rude family that moves into the house where Leo has been living.

Scientist: Local ghost hunter at 1-800-Get-a-Ghost, has never actually seen an active ghost.

Priest: A kind old man, has never seen a real ghost.

Jane's Mom: Busy and productive, does not understand Jane’s fascination with the imagination.